We are pleased to invite you to the Uniting for Peace Spring Conference on "Can We Unite for Peace: Building Citizen Power for Change" on Saturday, 10th March, 2018. Please circulate the event details to your contacts/friends/ colleagues. Full details of the event/speakers are below.

Vijay Mehta interviewed by NTV Europe

On Friday, 1 December 2017, Vijay Mehta was interviewed by NTV Europe’s Talking Point Anchor Celebrity Show. The interview was conducted by Syed Neaz Ahmed, who had previously interviewed Nobel Peace Prize winners, Vice Chancellors and many other exemplary authors, academics and film producers, musicians.

The interview lasted 1 hour and questions asked by Syed ranged from interpretation of peace, Israel-Palestine conflict, diplomacy negotiations of peace, role of faith, belief & religion, how can we build an active peace movement to counter wars and terrorism.

The full interview is available to watch on YouTube in the links below:

Report of 25 November 2017 Uniting for Peace Annual Conference on "World Religions for Peace"

On Saturday, 25 November 2017, Uniting for Peace hosted an all day conference on World Religion for Peace at Wesley’s Chapel with an audience of around 80 people. After a brief introduction from the chair of Uniting for Peace Vijay Mehta, the conference chair, Rita Payne hoped the day would answer many questions, such as why if religions sought to inspire peace, there was so much violence between them? Dr. Marcus Braybrooke – President of the World Congress of Faiths opened with a short period of silence to remember the Mosque attack in Sinai and short prayer. Special thanks to Bernie Holland for filming the entire conference, Anthony Russell for providing with a report and Prabhakar Kaza for taking excellent photographs.

To read the full report, please click here.
To view the photos of the conference, please click here. (Thanks to Prabhakar Kaza and Bernie Holland for taking the photos)
To read Marcus Braybrooke's speech, please click here.
To read Vijay Mehta's speech, please click here.
The playlist / videos below are the speeches and proceedings from the event:

Report of 12 October UN Symposium on "Can UN Build a Peaceful World"

Uniting for Peace hosted a UN Symposium on “Can UN Build a Peaceful World” on 12th October 2017 at Hilton London Euston. The Symposium was attended by over 110 people and distinguished speakers included, Fabian Hamilton MP, Labour Shadow Peace and Disarmament Minister, Breines Ingeborg, Former Director of UNESCO and Former Co-President of International Peace Bureau, Vijay Mehta, Chair, Uniting for Peace, Frank Jackson, Vice President, Uniting for Peace and Luke Addison, PeaceJam and Rotaract. The event was ably chaired by Rita Payne, President Emeritus, Commonwealth Journalists Association.

To read the summary of the speeches given by the speakers, click here
To view the photos of the conference, click here (Thanks to Prabhakar Kaza and Bernie Holland for taking the photos)
To read Vijay Mehta's speech, click here

"Faith reflections on the United Nations"

An edited version of the address given at St.Mark's Unitarian Church, Edinburgh, on Sunday September 24 for the special service marking UN International Peace Day and Peacekeeping Sunday, by REV. BRIAN COOPER, Churches and Inter-Faith Secretary, Uniting for Peace.

Background: Christian and Secular Idealism at end of World War Two:

1945-46 saw widespread RELIGIOUS REVIVAL in the two victorious Western allies in the wartime coalition, USA & Britain. In USA young Billy Graham was preaching to many thousands at the Youth for Christ rallies sweeping America. Across UK, church services were packed.

Report on Oldham Inaugural Peace Lecture 2017

Vijay Mehta, Chair of Uniting for Peace gave the Inaugural Peace Lecture on 21st September 2017 the UN International Day of Peace organised by Oldham Pledge to Peace Forum at Performance Space, Gallery Oldham, Oldham Cultural Quarter. Richard Outram and Maria, started the evening giving a resume of their work throughout last year. After that, the Mayor of Oldham Shadab Qumer spoke at the event and also pledged his support for peace activities in Oldham, a town of over 200,000 people renowned for peace.

After this, Vijay Mehta gave the inaugural lecture which finished with a vibrant Q/A session. There was a valuable contribution made by Julia Ward MEP at the event, explaining her work at the European Parliament.

Vijay Mehta was pleased to signed Pledge to Peace, a document which has been signed before by many luminaries. Shanti and Vijay Mehta were given as a gift of a book and video titled “Peace is Possible” which is a collection of talk by Prem Rawat. Two copies of Vijay Mehta’s latest book “Peace Beyond Borders” book were purchased by the Oldham Library.

On a recent visit to Timor Leste, Renu Mehta, Founder of Fortune Forum Charity, went to visit Jose Ramos-Horta, Former President of Timor Liste. It was a privilege to have the esteemed foreword by Jose Ramos-Horta to the book, "Peace Beyond Borders"written by Vijay Mehta. It was his endorsement, that helped the book to become well known in the peace circles.

In the inaugural Peace Lecture 2017 at Oldham, Vijay Mehta will explore that the world today is more unstable than the height of the Cold War. With wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Syria simply have not worked and made the world a more dangerous place. War on terror which have driven these wars have not succeeded and its escalation has displaced more people worldwide now than any time in history. The rise of populism, nationalism and racism, has resulted in Trumpism, Brexit and formation of the right wing parties across Europe. History is a witness that these were the causes which were instrumental to 1st and 2nd World War in which 100 million people perished. In this turmoil and chaos around the world, Vijay Mehta will explore how to counteract the onslaught of the culture of militarism and what actions we need to take for building a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

In his talk at the University of Bradford, Department of Peace Studies, Vijay Mehta will challenge the students to examine if humanity can exist without war. Can we create effective, democratic and judicial procedures at the local, national and supranational level, the development of values and symbols that not only sustain peace and justice for all but also relegate the institution of war, like slavery before it, to the pages of history.

There are 1.8 billion youth worldwide. It is for the youth to take their destiny in their own hands to take critical decisions that will affect them and have a real influence in their world for creating peace and development. The youth of today should understand national and world events and then counteract the present status quo of war and militarism.

Can youth forge alliances to create global peace systems which can abolish war forever? The opportunity for youth of today are huge to participate in peacebuilding with the help of internet and social media. In the chaos and turmoil around the world today, Vijay Mehta will provide fresh perspective for ending the cycle of violence and war and put forward new ideas which can be heard, integrated and acted upon at all levels of society for building a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

For further information, please contact: Fiona Macaulay, Senior Lecturer, Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

Email - f.macaulay@bradford.ac.uk

APPROACHES TO PEACE - A Book Review by Vijay Mehta

I was pleased to receive a copy of the fourth edition of “Approaches to Peace” from Oxford University Press, New York sent by its editor David P Barash. It is a unique anthology featuring classic and contemporary selections of work on Peace and Conflict Studies.

This highly influential anthology has excellent articles from major works in peace studies by distinguished individuals. It enables us to read, reflect and take action to bring fundamental changes in our society.

Annual Inter-Faith Event on World Peace in Scotland

Uniting for Peace Coordinator and Inter-Faith Secretary, Rev. Brian Cooper spoke at an Annaul Interfaith event for World Peace at St. Marks Unitarian Church - Edinburgh on 4th July, 2017. The title of his talk was, "Reflections on Peace-Making Now"

Replies from the UK and Scottish Government to the letter sent regarding 10 Point Plan of Principles and Policies to Counter Terrorism

Uniting for Peace hosted a well attended Spring Conference on ‘Global Terrorism – The Peace Movement Response’ along with PeaceJam. It became an important and timely event as it took place just after Westminster terrorism attack in London. A 10 Point Plan of Principles and Policies to Counter Terrorism from the conference was sent to Prime Minister and offices of other party leaders. We had reply from Rt. Hon. Ben Wallace MP, Minister of State (Home Office) (Security), who commented that Uniting for Peace letter contains some thoughtful recommendations to counter terrorism and extremism and thanked Uniting for Peace, a civil society organisation in advancing unity and peace in the world. A reply from the Scottish Government was given by Victoria Nicholls from the Connected Communities Division, thanking Uniting for Peace for the positive contribution in tackling issues related to terrorism.

Uniting for Peace Annual Inter-Faith Occasion for World Peace - "Inspirations for Peace-Making" on Tuesday 4 July 7:00pm at St. Mark's Unitarian Church, Edinburgh

Uniting for Peace is hosting an Inter-Faith event on 4 July 2017 at the St. Mark's Unitarian Church. The title of the event is "Inspirations for Peace-Making." Distinguished speakers from different faith will speak at the event discussing peace and harmony and spiritual traditions in faiths. The speakers are: Dr. Farshid Namdaran (Zoroastrianism's Early Insights for Peace and Harmony), Rev. Dr. Georgiana Cameron-Gaiduschek (Peace in Celtic Spiritual Tradition), Aurangzeb Haneef (Non-Violence in Islam). The event will also include a Peace Meditation by Sister Louisa Gupta of Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University. Refreshments will be provided after the event.

Report of 27th April "Faith, Peace and Global Politics in the Age of President Trump" - Scotland Inter Faith Peace Event

Organised jointly by Uniting for Peace [Scotland Programme, UfP Inter-Faith Peace Work], the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association and the authorities of Annandale Street Mosque, the event venue, and attended by some 70 people,the occasion was opened by Mosque Council member and event co-chair Mr. Mohammed Aslam, who stressed the vital importance of co-operation among the faiths to promote peace. "The three Abrahamic faiths - Judaism, Christianity and Judaism - especially have responsibility to work to bring peace." Rev. Brian Cooper [Churches/ Inter-Faith Secretary UfP] said the event was latest in a series of such joint occasions at the mosque, previous ones being on such issues as 'Clash of Civilisations?', 'Religion and the Arab Spring', 'Understanding ISIS' and 'Globalisation and Faiths'.

Uniting for Peace and PeaceJam hosted a joint Spring Conference on “Global Terrorism – The Peace Movement Response” and attracted over 100 people. A complimentary lunch was served by Uniting for Peace. It was an all day event held at Wesley’s Chapel, London. Although was planned over a year ago, it’s timing was grimly relevant, being held only three days after the Westminster incident.

To read the full report, click here
To read Vijay Mehta's speech, click here
To view the photos of the conference, click here

A conference on Small Action, Big Impact took place at the University of Southampton on Saturday 18th February 2017. It was an all-day conference organised by Alicia Tang of Southampton Hub and the core theme of the conference was sustainable development. There were many presentations on peace, development and environmental concerns and violation of Human Rights.

Vijay Mehta, Chair of Uniting for Peace spoke on 4D for World Peace, 4D standing for Disarmament, Demilitarisation, Development and Democracy. Before Vijay’s lecture, a film, “Change the World,” was shown to the audience. A vibrant Q/A session followed the lecture.

Vijay took lots of literature and books at Southampton and set up a stall in which Shanti and him distributed literatures to students. It was an exciting networking opportunity, discussing the problems and solutions of building a peaceful world.

Report to the talk by Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize Winner at a conference in Winchester organised by PeaceJam

On Friday 10th March 2017, Shanti, Renu and Vijay Mehta attended a lecture given by Nobel Peace Laureate, Leymah Gbowee. The lecture was part of a conference hosted by PeaceJam UK. It was a distinguished gathering which included Joy Carter, Vice Chancellor of University of Winchester, Jane Rutter, Mayor of Winchester and many distinguished people from different organisations attended the lecture which was followed by a dinner.

In her address, Nobel Laureate alluded that this sense of our common humanity, at its deepest, flows from a mystical experience of ‘Oneness.’ This is why the growth in inner peace is a vital contribution to the peace of the world and why the roots of lasting peace are to be found in the great religious and spiritual traditions of the world. Nonviolence is nurtured by inner peace, unity and spiritual development will lead to universal peace.

To sense the oneness of the human family, the oneness of all life is the well spring of compassion and our commitment to human rights, peace building, non-violence, reverence for all life. Without such a starting point terrorism and wars cannot be contained.

Special thanks to Caroline Millman, Sally Milne and Luke Addison for organising an excellent lecture and the conference. It was a great networking opportunity.

Talk by Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Vijay Mehta along with Shanti and Renu are attending a talk and dinner hosted by PeaceJam UK welcoming Leymah Gbowee, the Nobel Peace Prize Winner at The Stripe, University of Winchester on Friday 10th March 2017 from 17:30 to 21:00. This is being followed by a full day conference on Saturday 11th March and Sunday 12th March.

Leymah Gbowee won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work leading a women's peace movement that brought an end to the second Liberian Civil War. To attend the dinner and the conference, please contact: Rebecca Bellamy - rebecca.bellamy@winchester.ac.uk

Report of the WEF Conference EU - The Hague 27 - 28 January, 2017

Women Economic Forum hosted a conference on "EU-Reinventing Itself - Women Empowering Inclusive Engagement" in The Hague, Netherlands. Over 200 delegates and speakers from 20 countries participated in over 50 sessions on empowerment of women.

Vijay Mehta presented two sessions at The Hague conference. One on global terrorism and one is on inspiring businesses for peace and sustainability. The global terrorism was a plenary session in which 5 panellists took part and discussed different aspects of extremism, fundamentalism and how to overcome isolation and marginalisation. The inspiring business session was shared with author, Leontine van Hofft. Both the speakers emphasised the fact that the global business should be conducted for global good and it should be inclusive and value driven. Furthermore, it was emphasised that in business, peace and sustainability can be achieved through practicing the path of Ubuntu and inner peace.

A great networking opportunity, meeting people from different parts of the world.

Assam (India) Lecture Tour Report - The Role of India’s North East in Peace and Development

Vijay Mehta was a keynote speaker at a conference in Guwahati, India on 6th/7th January 2017, organised by FASS UK and India. He was accompanied to India with his wife Shanti Mehta. They were welcomed at the airport by Rini Kakati, Co-ordinator of FASS, her son Vicki and Bobby Sharma, Secretary of FASS, Assam.

The conference titled, “The Role of India’s North East in Peace and Development” was held at Taj Vivanta Hotel, Guwahati, Assam. The conference started with a welcome address and introduction by Rini Kakati convener, who explained the work of FASS and thanked the audience and supporters who attended the meeting at a short notice.

At the conference, Vijay spoke for half an hour covering issues of violence, political unrest and a strategy for peace – dialogue, integration, improvement of Law and Order and a Marshall Plan for development in Assam and the North East.

To read the full report, click here
To read the full speech, click here

11 January 2017 - IPYG Conference

Uniting for Peace Chair, Vijay Mehta spoke at an event at CodeNode London organised by International Peace Youth Group (IPYG). The title of the event was “What Can I Do That Matters – The Progressive Empowerment of Women and Youth”

To read the full report, click here
To read the full speech, click here

A Peace and Development Conference in Guwahati, Assam, India

Vijay Mehta, Chair of Uniting for Peace will be one of the speakers at a conference in Guwahati, Assam, India on 7th January 2017. The conference is organised by Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters who work for revival of the North East of India. The conference will take place at Taj Vivanta Hotel, Guwahati. In his talk, Vijay Mehta will explore obstacles to peace and development, while outlining ideas and action plans which will provide boost for safety and the growth of the North East region of India.

HOW EUROPE TURNED FROM WAR - Book Review for Vijay Mehta's Peace Beyond Borders

Peter Popham , Resurgence & Ecologist Jan/Feb 2017

The referendum debate last summer over the UK’s membership
of the European Union was monopolised by arguments about domestic issues; the international
dimension of the question – the possible consequences for world peace of Britain’s staying or leaving – barely got a mention. But if Vijay Mehta is right, the UK’s departure could seriously weaken an organisation that not only has brought peace and democracy at home, but also, in his view, is a model and inspiration for similar forms of supranational cooperation around the world.

Interfaith event "Globalisation - Faith and Peace"

Brian Cooper, 26 November 2016

WHAT IS GLOBALISATION? By 'globalisation', I understand the worldwide inter-dependence and inter-connectedness - of trade, mass communications, travel, different cultures and many other features of life - which characterises the human community today. In economic terms, globalisation has emerged since the end of the Cold War, with the entrance into the world capitalist system of the ex-Communist states of Russia and Eastern Europe, and Communist China.

UNA London and South East Region "Crisis in Syria" event

Around 50 people had gathered at an event in Resource for London Centre in Holloway Road to hear a talk on “Crisis in Syria”

There were two speakers, Vijay Mehta, Author and Chair of Uniting for Peace and Ilaf Moslawy. Vijay Mehta spoke on the “Building Peace in Syria – What Should be done to End Bloodshed.” Ilaf Moslawy spoke on the refugee crisis in Syria and steps we can take to rectify the situation. A vibrant Q/A session followed the presentations.

Friends: I am very grateful to Dr. Abdul Hayee, President of the Edinburgh & Fife Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, and his colleague Mr.H.Rahman, for very kindly inviting me to address this important conference for peace. It is an honour for Uniting for Peace to be involved in this occasion: in UfP, we deeply respect the Ahmadiyya community for its unwavering commitment to peace.

Report of Uniting for Peace Annual Conference, "The New Cold War in Europe" - 25th October 2016, London

A report by Bernie Holland, Uniting for Peace

Our host was The Rt. Hon. Lord McLennan of Rogart, of the Liberal Democratic Party of the United Kingdom, who opened the proceedings by expressing his hope that Britain’s exit from the European Union would not precipitate the collapse of the EU, particularly in regard of the fact that it has been a force for peaceful coexistence since its inception. He continued by further subscribing to the current mainstream narrative which presents Russian President Vladimir Putin as a person who harbours aggressive intentions towards NATO and the Western Powers and whose expansionist ambition should be either directly opposed or contained. This is a view which was to be questioned by some of the subsequent speakers, particularly in respect of the fact that Putin could be regarded as having good reason to view the recent overthrow of the governments of Iraq and Libya as prelude to the perpetration of American foreign policy in respect of its apparent desire to continue this trend in attempting to overthrow the Syrian Government under Bashar al Assad.

Report of Annual Erskine Childers Lecture - Building a Culture of Peace in a World of Conflicts - 6th October 2016, London

Left to right: Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Zach Paikin and Vijay Mehta

Around 90 people gathered at Hilton London Euston on 6th October, 2016 to hear Prof. Federico Mayor, Former Director-General of UNESCO speaking on “Building a Culture of Peace in a World of Conflicts.” The event was opened by Uniting for Peace Chair, Vijay Mehta, who welcomed Federico and the audience.

Uniting for Peace was greatly honoured to have Federico Mayor Zaragoza, the President of the Foundation of the Culture of Peace, as the keynote speaker for this Annual Erskine Childers Lecture 2016.

In his address, Federico highlighted the history of conflict, particularly the two dreadful world wars that took place during the 20th Century, and of the initiatives that have been attempted in the prevention or resolution of conflict. He cited the example of America which has derailed the negotiations for arriving at multilateral agreements.

To read the full report, click here
To view photos from the event, click here
To read Federico Mayor's transcript, click here

Report of “Britain and Brexit: Impact on World Peace” - Edinburgh 2016

On 20th September, a beautiful warm day, Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre and Uniting for Peace co-organised an event at Quaker Meeting House in Edinburgh. The title of the meeting was “Britain and Brexit: Impact on World Peace.” The meeting was opened by the Chair, Arthur Chapman.

Sunday Times mentions Uniting for Peace

We invite you to visit Uniting for Peace stand at the Labour Party Conference 2016 which is taking place from 25th - 28th September in Liverpool. Uniting for Peace stand number is 231. You will be pleased to know in Sunday Times 4th September Uniting for Peace was mentioned along with other organisations. The article on the sunday times is below:

This is the paragraph where Uniting for Peace is mentioned:

“However, Stop the War, the hard left group accused of intimidating Labour MPs over military action against ISIS in Syria, will have an exhibition stand along with the Global Nuclear Weapons Ban Coalition and disarmament campaign group Uniting for Peace”

If you have online subscription of The Sunday Times then you can read the article here which appeared on Sunday 4th September, 2016

Are you feeling safe? Measuring and reporting perceived levels of safety of children affected by armed conflict

In my experience it is quite rare, especially in a conflict affected country, that aid organisations ask children directly what their problems are and what change they want to see – let alone deliver it in a way which involves children.

War Child UK is using an approach that tries to rectify this. It asks children to score how safe they feel at home, at school and in their communities using a child-friendly rating scale. These findings are analysed and the child’s recom­mendations for change are consolidated and exhibited in a Child Safety Report Card (CSRC). I have seen first-hand what an empowering process this is for children, as it provides them with an opportunity to speak up and influence change.

Screening of "A Bold Peace"

A not to miss powerful film, “A Bold Peace” which focuses on Costa Rica’s experiment in living without a military for 65 years and redirected the resources to education, healthcare, jobs, environment etc. It tells a touching story of demilitarisation, International Law and other vital concerns using the Costa Rican model.

The Sunday Mail features "Vote Peace" with Vijay Mehta's interview

On 19th June 2016, The Sunday Mail featured “Vote Peace” in which Mark Aitken, Political Editor interviewed Vijay Mehta, author of “Peace Beyond Borders”. For the full article of the interview please click here.

Report of 15th June event - Rebuilding Europe's Future: UK IN or OUT"

Report by Bernie Holland, Member of Uniting for Peace Executive Committee

With regard to the forthcoming referendum on the UK’s continuing membership of the European Union, it is regretful that the sharp controversy over whether we should leave or remain in the EU has been rendered into even sharper chiaroscuro by recent tragic events, the perpetrators of which have only one aim, that being to create division and disharmony within society. In this respect, it is remarkable that the conference held at the Euston Hilton on 15th June presented a cross section of humanity who, despite the polarity of views passionately held, saw it fit to conduct the entire proceedings in a spirit of friendship and magnanimity. Such creditable values are in stark contrast with the attitudes of those who primarily seek to present others as the villain of the peace. Thankfully this conference allowed free expression of the views of all concerned here, even if it were to emerge that, of the nine speakers sitting on the panel, six were advocating a vote to ‘remain’ whilst only three were in favour of the UK extricating itself from the perceived shackles of the European Union.

Middle East Conflicts, Impact on Europe and Prospects for World Peace - Leamington Spa - 21 May 2016

On Saturday 21 May, 2016, Warwick District UN Association invited Uniting for Peace Chair Vijay Mehta to speak on Middle East Conflicts, Impact on Europe and Prospects for World Peace at Leamington Baptists Church in Leamington Spa. It was a luncheon meeting from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. It started with a refreshments and lunch for all the delegates attending the meeting.

Faith Together for a Better World - Eastbourne - 17 May 2016 Report

On Tuesday 17th May, World Congress of Faith celebrated a special 80th anniversary event at the Congress Suite, Eastbourne. Distinguished speakers included Rabbi Jackie Tabick, Sheik Dr. Hojjart Ramzy, Vijay Mehta and Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke. It was a well attended meeting and ably chaired by Michael Harris. There was a vibrant Q/A session and a musical interlude from the International Voice Orchestra (choir).

The event went on till 10:00pm with a break inbetween. It was a great opportunity for networking with distinguished speakers and audience from different faiths.

Rebuilding Europe's Future: UK IN or OUT?

“Rebuilding Europe’s Future – UK IN or OUT?” will be held in the Hilton London Euston on Wednesday, 15th June 2016 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Rita Payne, President Emeritus of the Commonwealth Journalists Association will be the Chair of the event.

This event will give high profile speakers from both sides of the debate an opportunity to make their case for whether the UK is better off staying in or leaving the EU.

At present Europe is in crisis with rising inequality, refugees, and increasing terrorism on European soil. Uniting for Peace’s latest campaign Europe for Peace highlights the dangers to peace and stability that a disintegrating EU would present. We invite our distinguished speakers to give their arguments on what is best for the UK and Europe in this climate of fear and uncertainty.

Uniting for Peace Annual Erskine Childers Lecture 2016

We are pleased to annoucne that Uniting for Peace is hosting Annual Erskine Childers Lecture 2016 this October. The keynote speaker of this year's lecture is Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Former Director-General of UNESCO and the title of his talk is “Building a Culture of Peace in a World of Conflicts” The lecture will focus on how can we end violence and wars and establish Culture of Peace and an equitable international order following UN Chartar goals. It will be held at Hilton London Euston, 18:30 - 21:00. The date is yet to be confirmed, but it will be either 6th October or 10th October. Please email vijay@vmpeace.org for more information.

First European Peace Summit Report - Budapest April 2016

I was privileged to be invited as a keynote speaker at the 1st European Peace Summit at the prestigious newly built European Youth Centre in Budapest, Hungary, from 4 to 7 April, under the theme of 'Connecting Minds - Unleashing Potential'. Well organised by the World Peace Initiative [WPI], it brought together over 100 delegates from across Europe, with an encouragingly large presence of youth and students.
Plenary sessions, workshops, exercises, meditation and panel discussions examined the theme. Some of the workshops explored the art of hosting in peacebuilding, meditation, inner conflicts transformation, conscious leadership and digital media, with very good ones on 'Empathy and Consciousness' and 'Development and Social Change'. Full report

Only non-military solutions can end the conflict in Iraq

On 12th April the All Party Parliamentary Group on Third World Solidarity hosted an event “Update on Iraq” at Portcullis House, House of Commons chaired by Dave Anderson MP. The other speakers included Lord Ken Maginnis, Ian Lavery MP, Ann Clwyd MP, Abdullah Muhsin (NASWT International Officer), Hashim Alhashimi (Iraqi Democratic Movement UK), Salih Husain Al-Tamimi (Iraqi Ambassador to the UK), Saundar Satterlee (TWS) and Vijay Mehta of Uniting for Peace. The event was organised by Mushtaq Lasharie, Chairman of Third World Solidarity. Read More

Third world parliamentary is hosting a public conference at the House of Commons on 12th April, 2016 from 18:00 - 20:00. The conference will take place at Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, Bridge Street, SW1 2LW. The conference title is "Update on Iraq." Uniting for Peace Chair Vijay Mehta has been invited to be a speaker at the conference. The other speakers are:

Vijay Mehta, chair of Uniting for Peace, travelling to Budapest to give a talk on Inner Peace to Global Peace at the European Peace SUmmit in Budapest, Hungary on 4th April - 7th April 2016. Please view the teaser about what he is going to speak. The full speech will be available after the conference. Please find the video below and more information about the conference:

At the venue of Wesley's Chapel, Uniting for Peace AGM and Spring Conference took place on Saturday, 5th March 2016. The morning session was chaired by Brian Cooper. In this session, the audience heard several reports including the Chair, Co-ordinator and Inter-faith, Treasurer. Election of the committee for the 2016-2017 took place. There was an open discussion in which the members and supporters of Uniting for Peace gave suggestions for future work.

A complimentary lunch was served to members, supporters and speakers.

In the afternoon session, conference on Middle East Conflicts, Impact on Europe and Prospects for World Peace took place chaired by Vijay Mehta. Distinguished speakers including Humphrey Hawksley, BBC Foreign Correspondent, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Former Pakistani High Commissioner to London, Prof. Philip Marfleet, Director for Centre for Research on Migration, UEL, Dr. Halla Diyab, author and TV presenter, Mohsin Abbas, Director of Arts Versa productions, Vijay Mehta, author and Chair, Uniting for Peace and Brian Cooper, Co-ordinator and Interfaith Secretary for Uniting for Peace gave valuable contributions on the Middle East crisis and what steps we need to take to rectify the situation. A vibrant Q/A session followed. A highly successful gathering in which the audience networked with each other. A full report will be published in the next Uniting for Peace Newsletter.

In the interview, Vijay Mehta advocates for UK to stay in European Union in the upcoming referendum of 23rd June 2016 for not only peace and prosperity which membership of the European Union has brought, but also for UK to play a leading role for reforms of the European Union.

Uniting for Peace is pleased to announce the launch of the "Europe for Peace" campaign website. Because of the imminent referendum on 23rd June 2016, your valuable comments will be appreciated so that we can keep improving it and appeal to wider audience. We need to spread the word across as far as possible.

Uniting for Peace is supporting PeaceJam Annual youth conference 2016. At the University of Winchester, on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th March 2016, PeaceJam UK are hosting their annual youth conference. Nobel Peace laureates Jody Williams and Rigoberta Menchu Tum will be the keynote speakers for the conference. All Welcome. For further details please contact Conference Coordinator: winchester@peacejam.org

Southampton Hub has invited Vijay Mehta, Chair, Uniting for Peace for a talk at the conference on 18th February 2017. The film "Change the World" will be screened followed by Vijay's speech on 4D for World Peace.

Friday 27 Jan uary 13:30 - 14:30 on "EU - Being open while addressing threats of terror and security concerns" and Saturday 28 January 10:00 - 11:00 on "Inspiring Businesses for Peace & Sustainability: Through the way as of Ubuntu & Inner Peace"